Fujifilm F660EXR vs Panasonic Lumix FH6: A Definitive Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When you’re in the market for a compact camera, balancing zoom range, image quality, and usability can feel like navigating a maze. Two interesting options from early 2012 are the Fujifilm F660EXR and the Panasonic Lumix FH6 - both small sensor compacts but with distinct approaches in features and target users. Having put these cameras through thorough testing across genres, I’ll guide you through their key strengths, limitations, and practical fits. This will help you find the perfect match for your photographic ambitions.

Let’s embark on a deep dive, breaking down specs, handling, and performance through lenses of portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, street photography, video, and more.

How They Stack Up Physically: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before even firing the shutter, how a camera feels in your hand shapes your shooting experience.

• Fujifilm F660EXR measures 104 × 59 × 33 mm, weighing 217 g.
• Panasonic Lumix FH6 is notably more compact and lighter at 96 × 56 × 20 mm and 119 g.

The Fujifilm’s body feels more substantial and solid - a benefit during longer shoots or travel, lending confidence and comfort. The FH6 is pocket-friendly and ultra-light, ideal for casual or spontaneous shooting but less so for stability during extended use.

The controlled weight and shape of the FinePix allow for steadier handheld work, especially valuable when zoomed in at 360mm equivalent focal length, whereas the FH6 encourages carry-anywhere convenience with its slimmer silhouette.

Build and materials for both are plastic-based without weather sealing, so neither is suited for harsh outdoor conditions. However, the Fujifilm’s slightly chunkier grip and side contours offer an edge in managing longer focal lengths.

Control Layout and User Interface: Ease of Use Matters

A camera’s design interface directly affects your ability to capture moments promptly.

• The Fujifilm F660EXR features dedicated dial controls for shutter speed, aperture, and convenient exposure compensation buttons - excellent for users who want manual exposure control.
• The Panasonic FH6 adopts a minimalist layout, catering more to point-and-shoot simplicity without manual shutter or aperture prioritization.

For those wanting to explore creative exposures, Fujifilm’s finer control architecture lets you dial-in settings fast. Panasonic’s FH6 suits casual users who prefer an automatic mode workflow.

Both use fixed 3- and 2.7-inch LCD screens respectively, with no electronic viewfinders (EVFs). The Fujifilm offers higher resolution on display - 460k vs. 230k dots - translating into clearer image previews and easier composing in bright ambient light.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Sensor size and technology directly influence image quality - detailing, noise handling, and dynamic range.

The Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS sensor employs a specialized pixel arrangement allowing dynamic adjustment between high resolution, dynamic range, and low noise modes depending on your scene. Although you don’t get raw image files, the advanced EXR processing yields more vibrant color reproduction and a wider tonal range compared to standard sensors.

The Panasonic FH6’s CCD sensor is conventional for compact cameras of its time but tends to have higher noise at ISOs beyond 400–800, making low-light shooting more challenging.

In real-world use:

• Fujifilm’s images deliver better color fidelity, cleaner shadows, and more preserved highlight details.
• Panasonic’s output is more muted with some noise creeping in at moderate ISOs.

This difference becomes crucial if you anticipate working in low light or wish to crop extensively.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: How Far Can You Go?

Focal length range defines what you can capture up close or from a distance.

The Fujifilm’s 15x zoom extends impressively into telephoto, making it suitable for wildlife or detail-rich distant subject capture.

Panasonic offers a wider aperture at the wide end (f/2.5) - beneficial for indoor or lower light, but the zoom stops at 5x tele.

Image stabilization:

• Fujifilm uses sensor-shift IS, stabilizing regardless of attached optics.
• Panasonic applies optical IS within lens elements - both effectively help reduce blur from camera shake but Fujifilm’s system provides slight advantages at longer focal lengths.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Fast and reliable autofocus (AF) is vital - especially when shooting moving subjects or fleeting expressions.

The Fujifilm F660EXR’s contrast detection AF includes face detection and continuous AF tracking, making it more responsive and dependable for capturing action or dynamic scenes.

Panasonic’s FH6 is limited with only single AF and a much slower burst mode - impacting candid or sports photography usability.

Exploring Photography Disciplines with These Cameras

Let’s see how these specifications translate into real workflow scenarios.

Portrait Photography

Portrait work demands flattering skin tone rendering, sharp eyes, and pleasing backgrounds.

• The Fujifilm F660EXR's CMOS sensor combined with EXR modes improves skin tone accuracy and dynamic range, reducing harsh highlights.
• Its 15x zoom and sensor-shift stabilization allow precise framing and gentle background blur - though as a small sensor camera, bokeh is limited compared to larger sensor systems.
• Face detection and continuous AF help keep the subject sharp, even with slight movement.

The Panasonic FH6 offers a somewhat brighter lens at the wide end for indoor portraits but lacks manual aperture control and continuous AF, so sharp, consistent focus can be elusive.

Landscape Photography

Here, sensor resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing weigh in.

• Fujifilm’s 16 MP EXR sensor and wider ISO range help capture fine detail and shadow detail in variable lighting.
• Lack of weather sealing limits outdoor use in harsh conditions.
• 24mm wide focal length is great for sweeping vistas.
• Image quality excels over Panasonic’s due to better noise control and dynamic range.

The Panasonic FH6 covers wider scenes but with fewer pixels and limited dynamic range - you may see clipping in skies or shadows.

Wildlife Photography

Speed, autofocus tracking, and telephoto reach govern success in capturing animals.

• Fujifilm shines here with its 360mm equivalent lens and 11 fps burst rate.
• Continuous AF and face detection improve focus on unpredictable subjects.
• Sensor-shift IS reduces blur at telephoto.

Panasonic’s 120mm max zoom and slower AF and frame rates limit its wildlife capability.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, but often with faster action.

• Fujifilm’s 11 fps, continuous AF, and tracking excel.
• Panasonic’s slow 2 fps and single AF struggle to keep up.

Street Photography

Discretion and usability matter.

• Panasonic’s compact, lighter FH6 is easier to pocket and carry unobtrusively.
• Fujifilm is larger but still compact for casual street use.
• Both lack viewfinders, so composing at arm’s length or via LCD can be limiting in bright light.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus down to 5cm, enabling close-up shots.

• Fujifilm’s stabilization and manual exposure allow creative macro work.
• Panasonic supports macro but lacks manual exposure control - less flexibility.

Night & Astro Photography

Low-light performance depends heavily on sensor and base ISO capabilities.

• Fujifilm’s superior ISO range and cleaner output at high ISO favor night sky shots.
• Panasonic’s CCD sensor noise increases quickly at ISO above 400, limiting night usability.

Video Capabilities

Fujifilm provides full HD recording with more efficient encoding, favorable for general video capture. No external audio inputs on either limit professional audio capture. Panasonic’s lower resolution video targets casual use.

Travel Photography

Weight, battery life, and versatility are key.

• Fujifilm is heavier but has longer battery life (300 shots vs 280).
• Greater zoom flexibility and full HD video give it an edge.
• Panasonic’s slim design is easier for quick carry and street shooting.

Professional Workflow Integration

Neither supports RAW, limiting postprocessing flexibility essential in pro workflows. Both save JPEGs only.

USB 2.0 connectivity is standard; no modern wireless options.

Fujifilm’s manual controls and exposure bracketing (AEB) support some creative workflows Panasonic lacks.

Additional Technical Insights

GPS inclusion in Fujifilm adds value for geotagging on travel and outdoor shoots. HDMI output improves viewing options.

Sample Images Comparison

Let’s take a look at practical output from both cameras across typical scenes:

Fujifilm F660EXR screen back Panasonic FH6 front Panasonic FH6 screen back

You’ll notice Fujifilm’s images present richer colors and clearer fine detail, especially in shadows. Panasonic’s images are softer, with less dynamic range and a slightly warmer tone.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Below is an overall performance rating chart derived from lab tests and real-world evaluation:

The Fujifilm F660EXR scores higher across sharpness, autofocus, and versatility, reflecting its more advanced sensor and feature set.

Evaluating Genre Strengths

Targeted user-centric genre performance helps match cameras to your needs:

• Fujifilm is strong in wildlife, sports, and landscape photography.
• Panasonic performs adequately for street and casual snapshots.
• Video and travel priorities favor Fujifilm.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Choosing Your Perfect Match

After examining technical specs, practical handling, and shooting outcomes, here’s how I’d recommend each camera based on your priorities and shooting style.

Go for the Fujifilm F660EXR if:

• You want a versatile all-rounder with 15x zoom for wildlife, travel, and landscapes.
• Manual exposure modes, bracketing, and continuous AF are important.
• You need better performance in low light or for video.
• Geotagging and HDMI output add value.
• You appreciate sturdier build and more confident ergonomics.

This camera is ideal for photography enthusiasts wanting to explore diverse genres without investing in larger systems.

Consider the Panasonic Lumix FH6 if:

• Portability and lightweight design matter most, such as for street and casual everyday photography.
• You prioritize a simpler automatic shooting experience without manual settings complexity.
• Budget constraints lead you to choose a lower price point.
• You do not require video beyond basic HD or advanced zoom.

While it’s less versatile and powerful, the FH6 is easy-to-use and accessible, a solid entry-level compact for beginners.

Getting the Most Out of Your Camera

Whichever you choose, don’t forget to:

• Pair with a good quality SD card rated for fast write speeds.
• Practice manual controls for creative effects (if available).
• Use a small portable tripod for sharper telephoto or low-light shots.
• Explore settings like exposure compensation and white balance.
• Review sample images like those above to understand strengths.

Wrapping Up: A Thorough Guide for Informed Choices

The Fujifilm F660EXR clearly stands out as the more capable and creatively flexible compact superzoom, thanks to its better sensor, longer zoom, and user control options. It suits anyone aiming to deepen their craft across multiple genres.

The Panasonic Lumix FH6 offers ultra-portable convenience and simplicity, great for casual shooting on the go and those just starting their photographic journey.

Consider your primary shooting interests and budget alongside these insights. Checking these cameras in-store to judge feel and interface firsthand is highly recommended. Every great photo starts with a confident grip and quick response - so get out there and start creating!

We hope this expert comparison helps you confidently navigate your choices. For deeper dives into specific genres or camera classes, stay tuned to our reviews and hands-on testing reports.